COVID-19 VACCINE AND EPILEPSY
Epilepsy Foundation of Australia
No one with epilepsy should go it alone.
Vaccines against COVID-19 are currently approved and becoming available in Australia. We know that many of you have questions about the vaccine, and it is our responsibility to share with you the most accurate, up-to-date information possible.
According to the International League Against Epilepsy, there is currently no evidence that people with epilepsy are at higher risk of side effects after vaccination. The current vaccines reduce your risk of getting sick from COVID-19 by up to 90%, depending on the vaccine, but vaccinated people may still be able to spread COVID-19 to others without knowing they are carrying it.
As with any vaccine, a person may develop a fever which could lower their seizure threshold for the short term. In rare cases, this could result in a break-through seizure.
Before you receive a COVID-19 vaccine, you should let your provider know that you have epilepsy, as well as any other important medical information (e.g. allergies, recent surgery etc).
If you have any medical questions concerning the vaccine, we suggest you speak with your doctor, neurologist, or specialist. They will be able to help you determine what is best for you. Your doctor will be able to provide specific advice about:
Following advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), children aged between 12 and 15 years with epilepsy are now eligible can now receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.
This update also applies to children with other specific medical conditions, those who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander or live in a remote community.?
After careful consideration, ATAGI now recommends the vaccine for children at a higher risk of severe illness if they contract COVID-19. ATAGI has reviewed available data on the safety and efficacy of the Pfizer vaccine in children aged 12 to 15, while considering the risk of COVID-19 in this age group, and evidence of wider benefits and risks of vaccinating children.
If you’d like to check your eligibility, visit the COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Checker at?https://www.health.gov.au/ To make an appointment, speak to your local GP or visit the Hot Doc website.?